Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: Sexual reproduction in invasive Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) in south Sweden

D'Hertefeldt, Tina1; Andersson, Anette2; Andersson, Ellen1; Nerer, Bea1; West, Mattias3; Zimmerman, Alexander4

Published Jan 29, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.79cnp5j9k

Data files

Jan 29, 2026 version files 21.98 KB

Click names to download individual files

Abstract

To understand the potential for northward expansion of knotweeds into currently uninvaded regions, it is crucial to assess the potential for sexual reproduction alongside the ongoing vegetative spread. For that reason, we tested viability in Reynoutria japonica seeds in south Sweden, a region where viable seeds had not been previously reported. Knotweed in northernmost Europe has no genetic variation, indicating a lack of fertile seeds, and northward colonization is considered limited by temperature and a short growing season. Observations of profuse flowering and seed production in recent years, however, prompted us to test seed germination. Seeds from 7 localities in Scania and 20 localities in Halland in southern Sweden were collected in October and November 2021 and 2023 and germinated under laboratory conditions. In Scania, seeds from six out of seven stands germinated with an average germination of 57,7 ± 32,1%. A second trial, 10 months after seed collection, showed 48,0 ± 14,2% germination on seeds from two of the sites. In Halland, seeds collected in November 2023 germinated with an average germination of 78,13± 20,71%, and germination in soil was 15% ± 16,1. Field inventories detected seedlings that were determined by metabarcoding to be R. japonica ×F. baldschuanica hybrids. Collected R. bohemica ×F. baldschuanica seeds from one site were fertile, and the seedlings survived cool conditions for 2 winters. We established that R. japonica produces viable seed in south Sweden, which is further north than previously demonstrated in Europe. The observation that F. baldschuanica was a common pollen donor concurs with studies from other parts of Europe. Presence of fertile seeds and seedlings has implications for the northward dispersal of knotweeds in Europe. Russian vine (F. baldschuanica) was identified as the pollen donor for R. japonica stands and one putative R. bohemica stand in South Sweden.